“No, although the place was recommended by one. We shall not fare so well as we did this morning, I fancy, but I have the password which will probably serve to bring out such food as they have, and it will be well cooked, though simple. Are you tired, Lucie, and are those shoes entirely worn out?” Lucie looked down at her right foot. “This one is the worst,” she said; “the other will last, but it is unfortunate that one must have two shoes.” “That is one of those unpleasant truths we must face in this world,” returned Victor, laughing. “You should be hungry after your long walk.” “Yes, but I have walked farther,” returned Lucie, a shadow crossing her face. “But that is past,” said Victor cheerfully. Lucie made no reply, but gave her attention to the soup which was now served them, and the meal went on. It was not quite so lively as that of the morning, for in the first place it was not so appetizing, and they were all tired in the second place. Then, too, to-morrow would be a working day, to which Paulette at least looked forward with no pleasure. It promised, however, a pleasanter prospect to Lucie who anticipated the agreeable task of fashioning a Nenette and Rintintin for Victor. She looked down at the little parcel which she had placed on the table beside her. “You’d better give that to me now,” said Victor. Lucie shook her head. “No, I promised Madame I would take charge of it till you were ready with your farewells.” “She seems to have very little confidence in me,” remarked Victor. “It might be for that reason or it might be for some other,” returned Lucie mysteriously. “Are you inviting me to guess?” “Perhaps--but no, I do not wish you to. If there is another reason I will tell you when you come to go.” “More and more mysterious. Very well, you must not forget to tell me.” Lucie knew that this was not likely. She held fast to the little parcel all the way home, and could scarcely wait to show the tiny figures to Odette after Victor had left. “You will help me, Odette?” “To be sure, and perhaps I can make a pair, too. There might be a soldier to whom I could give them,” Odette returned. “To be sure I know of no one now, but he might come my way, and it is just as well to be prepared.” She laughed gleefully. Lucie was very impatient till the morning’s work was out of the way, Paulette off for the day, and Odette ready to sit down with her. “It is like playing with dolls again, isn’t it?” she said. “But it is much more to the purpose,” declared Odette, sorting out the materials. “There appears to be quite enough for two sets,” said Lucie, “so we can divide, which will be very nice. You can have half to pay for helping me.” “But you might want another pair, for your father, for instance.”